"If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead to anywhere."
-Frank A. Clark
Chapter 11
Luna sat at the far end of a long dining table in the grand dining hall of Canterlot Castle. The table was covered in a long white, stainless cloth and had seats all along the sides, seating about 18 people all together. Although, these seats were all empty, for only the two princesses were sitting at the table.
"Um... Dear Sister, why are you sitting all the way down there?" Celestia asked kindly, sitting in a seat at the opposite end of the table. Beside her stood a suited pony, standing like a statue, holding a pitcher of tea in his left hoof to refill the princess's tea cups whenever need be.
"Oh, it's... nothing, Celestia." Luna had a slight sorrowful tone in her voice as she poked around with her food, refusing to look up from her dish.
"There has to be something, I haven't seen you this upset in quite a long time." Celestia took another bite from her vegetarian dish, then sighed. And we all know how last time ended.
"It's... nothing I can't handle. I've just been overwhelmed with my dreams. I used to be able to control them very well."
"Are you ready to talk about them? Celestia suddenly sounded even more bothered by the statement, knowing that her lovely sister is falling victim to her nightmares. "I'm always here to listen, you know."
"... No, it's nothing I can't handle. I just need some time to think about it, is all. I'm sure it's nothing."
"Are you sure? Perhaps I could-"
"No, I said it's nothing I can't handle." Luna snapped back, irritation flowing through her voice. There was a long pause of silence, then Luna sighed and nodded. "I'm sorry."
"No, it's quite alright... but please, if you ever need me-"
"I know, you're always here for me, Celestia."
"I say it because it's true."
"Yes, well, maybe I don't NEED your help!"
"Luna, please, I-"
"In fact, maybe I'm just fine without you for once!"
"You don't mean that."
"Yeah? Well I was fine without you for a 1000 years!"
Celestia was taken back by this outburst already, but with that last statement from her sister she felt her heart sink. But before Princess Celestia could even respond, Luna sat up from her chair and stormed off. It was obvious something was wrong with Luna, but Celestia just wasn't sure what do do to make her feel better. For the first time in a thousand years she felt disconnected from her sister. But as much as she wanted to dwell on this, Shining Armor was arriving today to assess the situation with the murder of the two senators.
Shining Armor's carriage pulled up to the front of Canterlot Castle, it was still a rather rainy morning, but most of the bad weather has past and now only the clouds remain. After a brief few moments of silence the carriage door opens up and steps out the glorious colt in shining silver armor and a blood red scarf loose around his neck. Shining Armor smiled to himself, a pleased grin stretching across his face. He was precisely on time.
"Sir, I'll park the carriage here until your return." One of the Pegasi Guards who pulled the carriage along spoke up. "Have a nice visit, sir."
"Yes, thank you." Shining Armor nodded to the guard. Still smiling valiantly he galloped up the Castle steps and hurried off to the throne room where the two Princesses were waiting patiently. All the Castle employees seemed happy to see Shining Armor around the castle again, especially with the murders of the two senators still unsolved. After a bit of hasty galloping through the halls he emerged from the two thick wooden doors at the end of the long throne room, the sun began to shine through the colorful stained glass windows as the skies cleared up.
"Shining Armor, you're right on time." Celestia spoke quietly from her throne, Luna's throne was left empty. "Please, come over. We have much to discuss..."
"Y-yes, Princess." He nods in agreement and walks up to the throne, bowing respectively before returning back to his standing position.
"As you know, we mourn the passing of the senators recently killed by the unknown assailant. This opponent most certainly has some experience with combat, their strikes are swift and fatal. We feel as if the Canterlot security should be tighter, for the sake of the congress of Canterlot. At least until we can discover a pattern, we require your forces to watch the residences of these ponies." Celestia spoke with great conviction, Shining Armor could tell she was serious, but she didn't seem afraid. She had great faith in Shining Armor and his equestrian battalion.
"Yes, Princess. I'll station the troops tonight..." Shining Armor nodded, his armor glistened lightly as the sun poured through the stained glass windows. "I won't fail."
"I know, Captain. I know..." She nodded once, then after a moments pause, spoke again. "I'll have the guards brief you with more details on the matter, plus supply you with a list of addresses. I expect the guards to be at their homes protecting the Senators and Representatives before midnight.
"Yes, Princess. I can see to that." He nodded again, then smiled with full confidence of his mission. "There won't be any problems."